Irish nobility

Irish nobility historically consisted of aristocratic families holding titles such as duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron, often granted by the British crown or established through native Gaelic leadership. These families owned large estates, wielded political influence, and played key roles in Ireland’s social hierarchy. Gaelic nobility, like the kings and chieftains, governed regions with their own customs, while the Anglo-Irish aristocracy maintained formal titles and parliamentary privileges. Over time, Irish nobility's power fluctuated due to colonization, land seizures, and political change, but their legacy remains embedded in Ireland’s history and cultural identity.